Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pa., celebrates the season with its 11th annual light show and more.
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By: Megan Sullivan
Let there be light. As the days grow shorter and dusk sets in quicker, acres of land at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pa., become blanketed by darkness. While that eerie feel provided the perfect setting for its Halloween Horror Fest, the holidays have come barreling in, beckoning for brightness.
That doesn’t mean a few strands of lights hung on the farm market building or scattered fir trees with stars on top. It means nearly 2 million lights decorating 160 displays, illuminating the farmland. "I think the electric company likes us," says David Fleming, general manger of the family farm.
Whimsical holiday displays, including ice skaters, castles and snowmen, will twinkle during Shady Brook Farm’s 11th Annual Holiday Light Show through Jan. 8. Travel the 1.5-mile trail by car, van, bus or even moonlight hayrides on some weekends.
Mr. Fleming lives on the property with his wife, 2-year-old twins and a newborn. "It’s almost like we’re on display through the month of December because cars drive around us," he says. He loves the joy it brings to his twins, who will stand at the front door all night staring at the brightly colored lights. "It’s pretty cool to see things through the eyes of a kid," he says.
Each January and February, when the farm isn’t as busy, about 10 new displays are made and 10 outdated displays are retired. Mr. Fleming’s brother, Paul, is in charge of building and setting up the displays, which take about three days each to construct.
While the displays are carefully packed away at the end of the light show, there’s one that remains standing the Statue of Liberty. "It’s 56 feet tall," Mr. Fleming says. "We keep it up year round." Sure enough, the outline of Lady Liberty can be seen in broad daylight from the greenhouse shop.
Shady Brook Farm started in 1908 and is in its fourth generation. Originally located close to where Woodhaven Mall stands in Bensalem, Pa., the farm was moved to its current location in the late 1960s. Mr. Fleming’s parents, siblings and cousins are all involved in running the old-fashioned farm market, full service deli and seasonal "agritainment" events like the Light Show.
Depending on the season, the farm grows asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, corn, tomatoes, zucchini, peaches, apples, pumpkins and, of course, holiday trees. Unique gift items can be found in the upstairs shop, including Byers’ Choice Carolers, wreaths, decorative snowmen and sparkling ornaments.
Amidst the spirited festivities, original craft items and gourmet foods at Shady Brook Farm, there’s sure to be something to brighten up the holidays.
The 11th Annual Holiday Light Show will take place at Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pa., through Jan. 8, 5-10 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per car, $25 per commercial van and $40 per bus. A portion of the money raised benefits the Garden of Reflection (see sidebar). Moonlit hayrides will be offered on select dates from 6-8 p.m., $5 per person. Other holiday events include Santa’s Village, Dec. 2-18, 6-10 p.m., and will feature pictures with Santa and storytime with Mrs. Claus. For information, call (215) 968-1670. Shady Brook Farm on the Web: www.shadybrookfarm.com

